A cloud of hickory smoke will descend on downtown Brookhaven this weekend as pit masters put their barbecue to the test at the Third Annual Hog Wild Competition and Festival.

Some 22 competitors will begin firing up their smokers this evening in Railroad Park in preparation for a blind judging Saturday at noon.

“We’ll have quite a few people from all over Mississippi and several local folks competing,” Lincoln County Civil Defense Director Clifford Galey said.

Categories this year include chicken, pork ribs and brisket with a $500 first place prize and $250 for the second place winner in each category.

Festival-goers will have a chance to take part in the judging as well. For a $5 fee, anybody can try the competitor’s barbecue and decide who deserves the People’s Choice Award.

The event will help raise funds for the Lincoln County Firefighters Association in support of the organization’s eight departments.

Local firefighters will be on hand serving up plates of pulled pork, baked beans and potato salad for $8.

Saturday promises an array of entertainment in addition to the competition with performances from Stonewaters, Ashley Stevens, Mickey Garon, Debbie Reeves, Jason Britt, Shane Jordan and Vonda Laird.

Vendor booths, carnival rides and a mechanical bull will round out the event.

In addition, a turkey calling contest and an archery shoot will challenge sportsmen for a chance to win a shotgun and a bow.

The festivities kick off at 8 a.m. Saturday.

“We hope everyone comes out and has a great time supporting us,” Galey said.